Getting your boat ready for the summer is more than brushing off the cobwebs and swabbing the deck. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing any problems happening when out in the middle of the lake. Powerboatguy has compiled a basic checklist to get that boat ready for another fun summer of boating. 1. Charge the battery 2. Check your fuel filter 3. Re-attach cooling hoses (if you took them out while winterizing your boat) 4. Clean air cleaner 5. Put frost plug back 6. Close any water caulks 7. Check fan belts 8. Check Power steering fluid 9. Check oil level 10. Check hydraulic level 11. If you have one, run tilt trim up and down a few times. 12. If you have “muffs”, attach them. 13. Start a small flow of water. Start your engine and run…Keep Reading

Every year, I hear about someone who had a boat accident that just didn’t have to happen. Why don’t people use common sense when they’re getting into their motorboats? Anyone who owns or operates a boat should know you need to take a boating course, keep on the lookout for buoys, check the weather reports, skip the booze and stay alert. But there are three other extremely important safety elements that are neglected time and again. According to the 2014 Recreational Boating Statistics, the Coast Guard counted 4,064 accidents that involved 610 deaths. The most common types of vessels involved in accidents were open motorboats on vessels less than 21 feet. Most of these deaths were from drowning, and 84% of these victims were not wearing a life jacket. You wouldn’t think of going in a car without buckling your seatbelt, so why not keep yourself safe on a boat,…Keep Reading